Sao Luis is well connected with Fortaleza. You can get from Fortaleza to Sao Luis by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car.
If you happen to be traveling to the Northeast of Brazil soon, São Luís should definitely make it on your list of things to see.
So what makes this town so great?
I’d say it’s the unique atmosphere and charm that only the oldest cities in Brazil seem to have. This is also one of the must-see destinations for anyone interested in Brazilian colonial architecture.
One of the best concentrations of museums, galleries, and craft shops in the Northeast can be found in this charming area with a distinctive atmosphere. Additionally, the spectacular dunes of Lencois Maranhenses are a nearby world-class, rare natural phenomenon that you can set out to see for yourself!
São Luís is ideal for those interested in learning about Brazil’s history and cultural diversity. The city’s culture has a distinctly Afro-Brazilian influence, from the vibrant reggae scene to the Bumba Meu Boi celebrations.
So if you ever have the chance, then make sure to visit São Luís. Check out our detailed guide about transportation in Brazil.
And make sure to bring a camera with you to capture all of those beautiful sites, because you are bound to visit one of the most exciting cities in Brazil during your time there!
Traveling between Fortaleza and Sao Luis is easy, and you can choose between a bus, private transfer, flight, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Fortaleza to Sao Luis.
How far is Sao Luis from Fortaleza?
The distance from Fortaleza to Sao Luis is 561.3 miles or 903.3 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Fortaleza to Sao Luis
The following table outlines all transportation options from Fortaleza to Sao Luis:
| Method | Travel time | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus from Fortaleza to Sao Luis | 19-20 hours | USD 46-USD 72 |   |
| Private Transfer from Fortaleza to Sao Luis | ~14 hours | – | |
| Flight from Fortaleza to Sao Luis | 1 hour 20 minutes | USD 101 | |
| Rental Car | ~14 hours | – |
Getting to Sao Luis from Fortaleza
1. Bus from Fortaleza to Sao Luis
Journey Duration: 19-20 hours
Bus travel is the first and cheapest method of transportation between Fortaleza and Sao Luis!
This mode of transportation offers a transfer from Fortaleza to Sao Luis in 19 to 20 hours, depending on the bus you pick, with ticket prices starting at USD 46!
You have three buses to choose from; however, your options are limited since there aren’t many departures.
Expresso Guanabara operates this route, and you can choose between an Economy Bus and Reclining Seat Buses. All of them travel during the night for most of the trip, so if you decide to travel by bus, at least you won’t be wasting so much of the daytime on transfers.
It is quite a long journey, but thankfully the buses are modern and provide everything you need for a smooth and comfortable trip.
So, if you decide to take the bus, ensure your seats by booking online– they might run out of places fast!
How much does a bus from Fortaleza to Sao Luis cost?
A bus ticket from Fortaleza to Sao Luis costs USD 46-USD 72.
Fortaleza to Sao Luis Economy Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 AM | 02:59 AM | 19 hours | USD 46 | |
Fortaleza to Sao Luis 120 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30 PM | 04:50 PM | 18 hours 20 minutes | USD 56 | |
Fortaleza to Sao Luis 160 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30 PM | 08:31 AM | 20 hours | USD 72 | |
2. Private Transfer from Fortaleza to Sao Luis
Journey Duration: ~14 hours
A private transfer is a good alternative if you’d rather travel by land but still want to be at ease and in comfort on this lengthy journey from Fortaleza to Sao Luis.
Many travel agencies offer and can arrange these services with a wide selection of comfortable vehicles!
Based on how many people travel with you, pick the vehicle that fits your needs and makes the price worthwhile! It might come out to be way more expensive, but once you split the cost, it should turn out to be reasonable.
Get picked up and taken to your exact location, have all the luggage space to yourself, and get from Fortaleza to Sao Luis much faster!
Bookaway
On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options from Fortaleza to Sao Luis. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
3. Flight from Fortaleza to Sao Luis
Journey Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
If you want to get to Sao Luis as fast as possible, we recommend getting on a flight!
Flying will get you from Fortaleza to Sao Luis in no time! The trip is definitely worthwhile, even though it is the most expensive alternative, with tickets costing USD 101!
However, you will arrive in Sao Luis in 1 hour and 20 minutes and reduce the hassle of traveling by bus, especially on such long distances.
Gol Transportes Aéreos operates one daily Economy Flight, so if you’re choosing this option to get from Fortaleza to Sao Luis, it’s best to book your tickets online right away!
How much does a flight from Fortaleza to Sao Luis cost?
A plane ticket from Fortaleza to Sao Luis costs USD 101.
Fortaleza to Sao Luis Flight Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:20 PM | 06:40 PM | 1 hour 20 minutes | USD 101 | |
4. Driving with Rental Car from Fortaleza to Sao Luis
Journey Duration: ~14 hours
Renting a car is the last to travel from Fortaleza to Sao Luis. Although it is not a commonly used method for traveling, it’s still something to consider!
In addition, you will be able to travel at your own pace and reach Sao Luis much more quickly by renting a car than by using public transportation.
Considering the few stops you might make along the way, the drive takes around 14 hours. But even if you decide to take it slower, at least you can enjoy the road trip and have the freedom to be in charge of your journey!
There are countless vehicle options, and they are all very reasonably priced!
So, for a bit of adventure, rent a car in Fortaleza and head to Sao Luis!
Best day tours in Sao Luis, Brazil
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Sao Luis, Brazil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Fortaleza to Sao Luis?
The fastest way to get from Fortaleza to Sao Luis is by plane. By catching a flight, you can get from Fortaleza to Sao Luis in only 1 hour and 20 minutes!
What is the cheapest way to get from Fortaleza to Sao Luis?
The cheapest way to get from Fortaleza to Sao Luis is by Economy Bus, which costs USD 46!
How long does it take to drive from Fortaleza to Sao Luis?
The drive from Fortaleza to Sao Luis takes about 14 hours, making multiple stops along the way.
Which airlines fly from Fortaleza to Sao Luis?
LATAM Chile and Gol Transportes Aéreos provide flights from Fortaleza Airport to Sao Luis.
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